End of Year Letter 2017

We are about to embark on a new chapter in the storied history that Mary Ellen and Casey Lopata began in 2004. The Church is growing in awareness that LGBT+ sisters and brothers, daughters and sons, while too often consigned to the margins, are integral to the Family of God and have a dignity that must be safeguarded and celebrated. Our stories must be shared; when we share our stories and personal encounter takes place, hearts are changed and love wins. Know that I treat your sacred stories as the sacraments they are: expressions of grace - God touching our world.

If we are to move forward during this unprecedented moment in the history of the Church, we need money. It is plain and simple. Like every family, our income dictates what we can and cannot do. Like every family, each member is asked to pitch in and help make ends meet. I did the same; my first two months as Executive Director are given to Fortunate Families gratis. I tell you this because I, too, need to pitch in and help our family tell its story to effect change. I’m asking you to look over your finances and see how you can help us create a stable foundation so we can continue to serve our LGBT+ mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, and help build, and actually be that bridge between them and pastors, bishops and the rest of the hierarchical Church.

The end of the year is often a time when we discern gifts; whether a check, stock, securities or a direct transfer from your IRA, your support of our mission is essential. I’ve enclosed another page to help you decide if a certain manner of sharing could be advantageous to you. Please read it over. But, don’t stop there. After you read it, pray about it. Ask God to make it clear to you what you should do. If you’ve been particularly blessed this year, share in a particularly generous way. If you are struggling and cannot share financially, your gift of support through prayer will be received with gratitude. The important thing is that each member of the family pitches in. I’ve seen miracles happen - like when the boy shared his lunch with Jesus and over 5,000 people were fed with plenty of leftovers, too! When we share our blessings miracles happen. Jesus gave us the recipe for miracles. Now, it is up to each of us to cooperate with God and create a miracle.

I’ll work tirelessly – together with your Board, Associates, and Advisors – with every person who partners with us in this ministry, to tell the story of our beautiful LGBT+ sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, who wait, too often, on the peripheries, and of parents whose magnificent love reflects God’s love so powerfully. And in telling the story, I believe with all my heart that attitudes will change and biases will crumble, Church doors will be opened wider and all will have their rightful place at the Table as grace ushers in a new day. Your support will allow us to go forward boldly, with a prophetic voice, and announce the good news that is your story.